Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) opens in September 2012 with an intake of 120 Year 10 and 60 Year 12 students.

In line with its focus on science and engineering excellence, AUEA will offer Apprenticeships from 16, alongside its A Level and technical pathways.

This innovative approach to education builds on the heritage of Aston University which boasts a huge range of partnerships with business and the professions at local, regional, national and global level.

Because AUEA is one of the first University Technical Colleges it has attracted major interest and support from businesses such as Eon, who have helped design and develop the Apprenticeship offer.

All Apprentices will be employed by one of the AUEA sponsor companies and they will benefit from high levels of support including mentoring and being a part of the unique ethos of the University Technical College so that all feel valued and supported.

Principal Designate Lee Kilgour said “There are significant shortages of appropriately qualified engineers in the UK. Our Apprenticeship programme will ensure young people are able to gain highly regarded, high quality technical qualifications whilst working for our sponsor companies and learning the skills they need for the workplace.

"Our first wave of Apprentices will be making a fantastic investment in their future.”

At AUEA Apprentices do not just learn in the classroom, but in state of the art engineering facilities where they are able to tackle real world engineering challenges set by business.

The links with Aston University ensure that there are opportunities to learn alongside top engineers and academic experts. The new school will have an exciting and varied enrichment curriculum including fantastic sports opportunities.

“This is a new way of learning, in new purpose built premises, tailored to develop the young professionals of the future,” said Mr Kilgour.

AUEA is located at Faraday Wharf adjacent to Birmingham Science Park Aston.

* Find out more. Applications for 14 and 16 year olds are open now. For further information or to download an application form visit www.auea.co.uk or to arrange a meeting with the Principal Designate call 0121 204 4266